‘Don’t argue with me' Maro Itoje loses it with England teammate
Rugby NewsMonday, 09 March 2026 at 12:49
Tensions inside the England camp were laid bare during their shock 23–18 Six Nations defeat to Italy after cameras caught captain Maro Itoje in a heated exchange with fly-half Fin Smith.
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The confrontation occurred early in the second half with England narrowly ahead at 12–10. Moments earlier, Steve Borthwick’s side had turned down a shot at goal and kicked a penalty to the corner, only for prop Ellis Genge to knock the ball on just inches from the try line following the line-out drive.
England were handed another chance when they won a penalty from the resulting five-metre scrum, sparking a debate among the senior players about what to do next.
There appeared to be a difference of opinion within the leadership group. Vice-captain Jamie George looked to signal for the posts, while Genge was pushing strongly to go back to the corner and continue the attacking pressure.
As Smith approached to argue for the line-out option, Itoje quickly asserted his authority.
Footage shown on BBC’s Rugby Special captured the England captain shouting: “Don’t argue with me. Take the three.”
The moment came during a chaotic afternoon for England, who eventually slipped to a historic defeat in Rome as Italy claimed their first ever victory over England.
Discussing the clip on
Rugby Special, former Scotland captain John Barclay suggested the situation reflected the pressure England’s leaders are currently facing.
“Do you want that level of background noise when you are trying to make a decision?” Barclay said.
“Maro has made a decision, Ellis Genge is having a bit of a joke maybe and Fin Smith has said: ‘Are we going to the corner?’
“That highlights what has happened in the last couple of weeks. Just so much pressure and there’s a bit of an explosion.
“There’s not a huge amount in it but it is indicative of where they are.”
RUCK VERDICT
Heated exchanges happen in Test rugby — but this clip highlights the uncertainty currently surrounding England.
With three straight Six Nations defeats to Scotland, Ireland and Italy, the team that entered the tournament with title ambitions suddenly looks short on clarity when the pressure rises.
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In a cruel twist of fate, Ben’s identical twin brother Tom also suffered injury issues this week. The England back-rower was forced to pull out of England’s Six Nations match against Italy on Saturday after suffering a knee injury during the warm-up.
Owen Farrell back in the England squad, four suggested call-ups
With England searching for answers, here are four players who could be worth a call-up.
Owen Farrell
The general England suddenly miss
When a team looks short of direction, the conversation inevitably turns to Owen Farrell.
For over a decade, Farrell has been England’s on-field organiser — controlling territory, kicking goals under pressure and setting the tone defensively. His leadership has often been the backbone of England’s game management.
During this Six Nations, England have struggled to close out matches and maintain composure when momentum swings.
Those are precisely the situations where Farrell has historically thrived. Whether at fly-half or inside centre, his presence could bring the authority and structure England currently lack.
Max Ojomoh
The Bath playmaker waiting for his chance
Max Ojomoh has been quietly building a reputation as one of the most intelligent young backs in English rugby.
The Bath centre — son of former England international Steve Ojomoh — has developed into a creative attacking option capable of playing both centre and fly-half.
In the Prem, Ojomoh’s distribution, vision and ability to unlock defences have made him a key figure for Bath. Many expected him to feature more regularly in England squads by now.
With England struggling to generate fluid attacking phases, a player with Ojomoh’s instincts could offer a fresh dimension.
Adam Radwan
The Prem’s human highlight reel
Few players in the Prem offer the kind of electric pace Adam Radwan brings.
The winger built his reputation at Newcastle Falcons as one of the league’s most dangerous finishers — capable of turning half-chances into spectacular tries. Quick feet, sharp acceleration and fearless running make him a nightmare for defenders in broken play.
England’s attack has looked predictable at times during the championship.
Radwan’s raw speed could instantly stretch defences and provide the kind of spark England have been missing out wide.
Gabriel Oghre
The in-form hooker causing problems
Watch the Guinness Six Nations at your local Greene King sports pub.
If England want energy in the forward pack, Gabriel Oghre is difficult to ignore.
The Bristol Bears hooker has been one of the most dynamic front-rowers in the Prem this season, combining powerful carrying with impressive mobility around the pitch.
Oghre’s physicality and work-rate have stood out week after week, and he has already shown he can make an impact at international level.
With England looking for more punch and momentum through the middle, his form could make him a compelling option.
Name every England captain of the professional era
Whether it's the grit of Will Carling in the 90s, the tactical brilliance of Martin Johnson, or the fearless leadership of Owen Farrell, this quiz will challenge even the most dedicated fans.
Think you can name them all? Grab your boots and let's see how well you know the men who led England into battle on the world stage!
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